NFL Draft 2018: New Orleans Saints 7-round mock draft
By Joe Romano
The New Orleans Saints are preparing for another run at a Super Bowl title. Having another strong draft would propel them towards the ultimate goal.
After a historic 2017 rookie class that featured both the offensive and defensive rookies of the year, the New Orleans Saints have one of the best overall rosters in the NFL. Quarterback Drew Brees, a pending free agent, will stay with the team for another season. The rookies and rest of this group are primed for another great season in 2018. Putting together a similar draft class may be impossible but this seven round mock draft will try.
This mock draft was done using Fanspeak’s On the Clock, a fun and informative tool for all NFL draft fans.
Round 1 – Pick 27
Marcus Davenport, EDGE, UTSA
At this time a year ago almost every mock draft had the New Orleans Saints selecting a pass rusher with their first round pick. When it came time to actually draft the team went another route and grabbed the eventual defensive rookie of the year. Marshon Lattimore completely changed this defense with his ability to neutralize an entire side of the field.
Starting defensive end Alex Okafor is set to hit free agency. While the team has Hau’oli Kikaha and Trey Hendrickson waiting they could use this first round pick on a defensive end. Marcus Davenport of UTSA saw his name mentioned in top tens of mocks earlier this offseason. This would be the range that is most acceptable for a raw but talented prospect.
Davenport has the look of an elite pass rusher in the NFL. At UTSA he was simply too strong and athletic for tackles to handle. However, he enters as a raw player who flashes more with traits than technique. Given how well rounded this Saints team is they can afford to take a swing on athletic marvel like the 6-foot-6 and 255-pound Davenport.
Another position that the Saints could address here would be quarterback. Drew Brees is a free agent and year away from being 40. The former MVP is in the twilight of his career. New Orleans should try to find his successor at some point in this draft. With the top five quarterbacks off the board, it did not make sense for them to reach when a potential impact player was available with Davenport.